Catholic Diocese of Auckland

Christmas Year B December 25th

Welcome before Mass: (Commentator) Tēnā Koutou Katoa. A very warm welcome to everyone who has gathered here for this joyous celebration. ‘Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy. This day a saviour has been born to you; it is Christ the Lord’ – two thousand years ago, this message of great joy was given to shepherds. Tonight/today, it is given to us. Let us open our minds and hearts to receive these ‘glad tidings of great joy.’ To prepare to encounter Jesus who comes to meet us in this Christmas liturgy, let us come to stillness, let us be silent for a few moments. (20 … seconds - stay at microphone). Welcome to ……………………… (parish name). Let us stand and sing with joy.

Prayer of the FaithfulFor the Church – that we be a people of light whose actions are just and transparent, a people of peace who love neighbour and care for the poor, and a people of faith who proclaim the good news.(Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For nations with civil unrest – that people listen with love to each other, learn to cherish each other’s differences and be prepared to make changes to accommodate each other in love. (Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For the whole human family – that the flood of grief which has arisen from all parts of the world, because of Covid-19, will become the seed for an enriched sense of community across the whole human family.(Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For babies, children and families – that families will delight in the wonder of new life, appreciate the beauty that lies within each child, and nourish each family member, encouraging them in fullness of life.(Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For each person gathered here – that through pondering the mystery of the incarnation in the baby in the crib, we discover and ponder anew the wonder of the incarnation throughout the whole of creation. (Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For the planet on which we live – that the whole of humanity will have a renewed and deepened sense of gratitude for the Earth, our common home, and for the wonder of life. (Silence) Reader: (sung) Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.

For our local community of………………….. That___________________________________________________________________(Silence) Reader: Lord born anew hear our prayer All: Christ our Lord hear our prayer.Concluding PrayerAlmighty God, draw us into the mystery of your love. Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we waited. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Word

Please add a prayer for your

local community.

Optional Response for Prayer of Faithful

Liturgy Centre

Catholic Diocese of Auckland

made flesh, one among us, who lives and reigns in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever ... …Amen

Liturgy Centre